Alanna sighed. She was sitting outside, while Daine was conversering with some sparrows. She was

watching her children and Thayet's children run around. It had been two months since George had left.

"Daine?" Alanna asked. "Do you miss Numair?"

Daine brushed her hair out of her face. "Of course I do. I think about him all the time. I wonder, I worry, I

hope. I'm nervous," she admitted. "That's why I send birds out. I know you can communicate with your

Gift, but I prefer asking the birds how the men are," Daine said, chewing her lip.

"Did they tell you anything?" Alanna asked, raising an eyebrow.



"No," Daine said dejectedly. "They didn't. I'm sorry. And I'm mad. If Numair's gotten himself killed...,"

she started.

"Alanna?" Thayet called. "Alanna, come here, please," her voice was urgent.

Alanna stood up a bit too quickly than she should have. Pain shot through her body. She steaded

herself, and placed her hand on her stomach.

"Alanna? Did you just have a contraction?" Daine asked.

"Brilliant observsation!" she snapped. "I'm sorry Daine," she added quickly. "I didn't mean to be

rude."

"Alanna?" Thayet called. "Come HERE!"

"Coming, your Highness," Alanna yelled, annoyed. "In case HER MAJESTY cares to know,

I, her lowly servant just had a CONTRACTION!"

Thayet ran out. "Does childbirth always make you ill-tempered?" she asked, innocently.

"Yes. Now help me inside," Alanna demanded.